FIVE adults with severe or profound disabilities will be able to live independently after work began on supported accommodation units at Werribee.
The units, in Prouse Place, are being built by Yarra Community Housing and Mind Australia.
The federal government has contributed $1.93 million to the project through its Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund, while the state government provided $2.45 million to Mind Australia over four years to help with the development.
Disability Reform Minister Jenny Macklin said the units would allow people with disabilities to live independently in their own home, with the added peace of mind that help is close at hand if needed.
“People with disability need access to a range of supported accommodation models which allow them and their carers to participate as valued members of their communities,” she said.
“We believe people with disability should have the same opportunities as everyone else, including the ability to live independently.”
The project will involve the construction of five separate, fully self-contained one-bedroom units, plus communal space.
There will also be a studio apartment for support workers.
Mind Australia chief executive Dr Gerry Naughtin said the development would look like any other small unit complex in the area. The project is expected to be completed mid-2014.
As reported by the Weekly, Wyndham has an acute shortage of permanent supported accommodation, forcing some parents to look after their adult children well into their 70s and 80s.
The municipality has one overnight respite facility, BaseCamp 3030.
Dr Naughtin said he hoped the units would offer people with disabilities more supported living options and the ability to make a choice about where they live.
“Mind Australia will provide support services to people with disabilities who have not been able to be supported in existing services.”
Yarra Community Housing chief executive Rob Leslie said the development would help people with disabilities live in affordable housing.
